Ranking Arsenal's 20 Most Beloved Players of All Time

Arsenal has seen some great players come through the club and many of them are beloved by all involved with the organization.

While some players like Samir Nasri and Emmanuel Adebayor have seen periods of success at the club immediately washed away by the circumstances surrounding their departures, many other players live long in the memories of the clubs fans and officials.

20. Charlie George

Charlie George is one the few local boys to make it big at the club, and that played a big part in how the Arsenal faithful received him.

George wasn't the most prolific player but his goal in the 1971 FA Cup final helped the club to its first double and put him in fans' hearts forever. He also played a part in the team's league title win during that same year, as well as the 1970 Fairs Cup victory.

George's status as a local hero makes him a worthy candidate for this list.

18. David Rocastle

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David Rocastle started his career at Arsenal and played there from 1984 to 1992. He showcased lots of skill in the Arsenal midfield and was well-liked because of his approach to the game and his contributions on the pitch.

He was a major part of the team during the late '80s and early '90s and picked up two league titles for his efforts.

16. Ray Parlour

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Ray Parlour—"the Romford Pele"—was a loyal, hard-working and pretty solid player in his own right. He was one of the lesser talented players in the squad but still good enough to get plenty of playing time with the likes of Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira and others around him.

He played for the club between 1992-2004 and his ability to step up during important moments like the 2002 FA Cup final against Chelsea helped him stay forever in fans' memories.

Parlour picked up three league titles, three FA Cups and a European Cup Winners Cup during his time at the club.

13. Nwankwo Kanu

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Who can forget the ever-smiling, delightfully skillful Nigerian Nwankwo Kanu. Arsenal fans took a little time to warm up to the Nigerian, but once his skill became evident, and that smile won over others who were still not impressed, he became a fan favourite.

He picked up two league titles and two FA Cups during his time at the club and provided the fans with many memorable moments, with that hat-trick against Chelsea standing out. He did all this in five years at the club.

12. Marc Overmars

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Marc Overmars only spent three years at Highbury but made quite an impression during that time. His speed and skill on the ball as well as his decent goal return for a winger—41 goals in 125 games—endeared him to the Arsenal fans.

11. David O'Leary

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David O'Leary holds the Arsenal club record for appearances with 772. Such longevity and loyalty alone could have put him on this list, but his part in two league title campaigns and two FA Cup victories certainly helped.

O'Leary only played two seasons for another club, Leeds, and his strong, composed play in defense made him one of the club's—and the league's—most reliable defenders.

10. Lee Dixon

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Lee Dixon is another long-serving, quality player from the Arsenal ranks. Dixon played for Arsenal from 1988-2002 and appeared 619 times for the club.

He won four league championships and three FA Cups with Arsenal, and his effectiveness from the right-back position, both offensively and defensively, made him a consistent starter at the position for years.

9. Freddie Ljungberg

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Freddie Ljungberg gets into the top 10, and deservedly so. The former Calvin Klein model had tons of style on the pitch during his time with the club.

He got off to a fantastic start with the Arsenal faithful by scoring a goal within seconds of coming on in his debut against Manchester United. It was all uphill from there, and Ljungberg went on to play a major role in two league titles and four FA Cups during his nine years at the club.

8. Liam Brady

After making his name at Arsenal, Liam Brady went on to Italy to play for great teams such as Juventus and Inter.

Gooners everywhere are glad that their club was the Irishman's first stop, though. Brady oozed class from midfield and was the team's leading man during his seven years at the club.

Brady only picked up one FA Cup trophy, but had he not left there would certainly have been many more. Arsenal fans during his time were certainly sad at the loss of one of the club's greatest players.

7. Robert Pires

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Robert Pires' contribution during his six years at Arsenal gets him the No. 7 spot on this list. He was a force for the club during his time and picked up two league titles and two FA Cups for his efforts.

Pires became a fan favourite for his attitude and his skill against all comers—but especially the team's rivals. He replaced Marc Overmars and almost made fans forget him.

4. Dennis Bergkamp

Dennis Bergkamp is one of the greatest Gunners and one of the most beloved. He graced Highbury with immense quality during his time with the team.

He spent 11 years at the club and picked up three league titles and three FA Cup trophies during that time.

His arrival in 1995 signaled the beginning of a new style of play for the club, one that was confirmed when Arsene Wenger came on board a year after. He provided fans with many moments of sumptuous football and is held in high regard by all associated with the club.

3. Patrick Vieira

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Patrick Vieira and his fellow Frenchman above him came to the club as an unknown and left as a world-class player.

During that time his leadership, tough-tackling and strong, yet skilful midfield play made him a player Arsenal fans will never forget. In 406 appearances, he won three league titles and three FA Cups, and his rivalry with a certain Roy Keane made Gooners stand behind him even more.